NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 1
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"…So, I transmigrated into the world of a novel."
I muttered to myself as I walked for quite some time.
"But of all people, why does it have to be Karmon Vade?!"
I let out a hollow laugh.
"Wow, this is seriously messed up."
To be honest, whenever I read novels or comics about regression, possession, or reincarnation, I didn't not imagine, 'What if that happened to me?'
"But now that it's become a reality, it's kind of absurd."
Muttering that, I unconsciously put my hand in my pocket.
"Oh, right. I don't have it."
I scratched my head at the absence of the smartphone that would usually be in my hand, fitting perfectly.
"Huu, I'm going crazy."
The title of the novel I was possessed into was
As the title suggests, it was an ordinary story about a hero chosen by the holy sword who saves the world.
"…It got a lot of flak for its crappy plot, though."
The novel, which followed the basic story structure of a chosen hero defeating the demon king, had only the final episode left.
Well, up to this point, it was fine.
It was within a comprehensible range, and transmigrating into a novel I was reading was quite an interesting situation.
But the problem was…
"I'm a third-rate villain extra who exits early in the story."
Karmon Vade.
Literally, an insignificant extra character used once for the protagonist's early heroics.
Yeah. Honestly, I can't say I'm not dissatisfied with being possessed into such a character, but let's generously say I can somehow accept it up to this point.
But…
"Why does it have to be at this timing?"
It's the Imperial Princess.
In other words, a high-ranking figure equivalent to national authority.
I transmigrated right after committing the heinous crime of attacking an untouchable figure.
"Isn't it standard to transmigrate long before or right before such an event?"
That way, I'd at least have a chance to do something about the damn thing!
Waking up in the worst situation like this, what am I supposed to do?
"Huu."
Eventually, I shook my head and looked up at the high, blue sky.
"Fine."
Since it's come to this, there's no point in complaining.
"The important thing is how I live from now on."
Muttering that, I fell into deep thought.
What ultimately happened to Karmon Vade in the original work?
"..."
I tried to recall, but nothing came to mind.
'Karmon Vade wasn't mentioned at all in the novel after the Imperial Princess attack incident….'
Well, it makes sense since he was expelled from the family, but usually, early-stage villains in novels get reused later, right?
But there was no mention at all?
"Did he die…?"
It would make sense.
If a criminal guilty of an attempted assassination on the Imperial Princess is expelled from the household and left with no protection, there's only one possible outcome…
"No way… Why would he die?"
I quickly shook my head, denying the possibility I had reluctantly considered.
Just because he wasn't mentioned in the novel doesn't mean he actually died.
So.
"…I didn't die, I won't die. No, I must not die."
I muttered to myself several times as if casting a spell, then shook my head again to rid myself of the thought.
"Alright, enough with the useless thoughts. Let's think positively."
Worrying over things that can't be solved won't change anything.
Maybe being possessed into Karmon Vade's body is actually a good thing.
I won't have to deal with troublesome issues related to the family, nor will I have tasks that the character must accomplish.
Besides,
'I might even get to learn magic or spirit arts.'
Compared to the modern 21st century, it may seem lacking in many ways, but if I look around, there will surely be better aspects.
"So, for now, anyway…"
Looking around, I saw an endlessly stretching dirt road and patches of grass.
The path I came from led to the mansion of the family I was expelled from.
It wasn't hard to decide what to do next.
"Let's go to the academy."
The novel I was possessed into was an academy novel set in a medieval fantasy world.
'All the parts of the story I know are set there.'
Moreover.
"The academy should be safe."
As long as I maintain my status as a student, the academy has a duty to ensure the safety and protection of its students.
So, the safest and most reliable place in my current situation was there.
"First, I need to get to the academy and secure my safety, then figure out what I can do."
Having decided on my path, I took a strong step forward.
"Wait a minute, but…"
I suddenly stopped, realizing a problem I hadn't thought of until now.
"How do I get to the academy?"
* * *
After walking along the road aimlessly for a long time, I finally discovered a village that looked like a small settlement.
'Ohh, as expected.'
I thought that if I followed the naturally formed paths where people travel, I would find a village.
Finding a village gave me a bit of relief.
First, I needed to gather some necessary supplies here and ask for directions to the academy.
As I hurried towards the village, an elderly man at the entrance spotted me and spoke up.
"Y-Young Lord Karmon?"
"…Yes? Do you know me?"
I tilted my head in confusion at the sudden address from the old man.
The old man quickly continued as if he recognized me.
"Yes, of course. How could I not recognize you, Young Lord Karmon, the heir of the Vade family? I am the village chief here."
"Oh, you're the village chief."
Well, if he's the village chief, it's understandable that he would recognize the heir of the lord who governs his land.
But I'm no longer the heir…
Well, that's beside the point.
I quickly asked the chief for directions to the academy.
"Are you talking about Flaines Imperial Academy?"
"Yes, that's right."
"W-Why do you ask…? Aren't there any attendants with you?"
The old man looked at me with a puzzled expression.
"Oh, I was planning to travel alone this time, to take a look around the surrounding territories, but I got lost somehow."
Thinking of Karmon Vade's position, I quickly made an excuse, and the old man nodded.
"Oh, I see. So, do you need directions to the nearest village from here?"
"No. That's not necessary. Please just tell me the fastest and safest route to the academy."
"Pardon me?"
The old man tilted his head in confusion.
"Didn't you say you were touring the surrounding territories?"
"Well, yes, but… As I kept traveling around, I got tired, and moving alone seems a bit dangerous. I can continue the tour later."
"Haha, I see."
The old man laughed and nodded.
"If you want the fastest and safest route to the academy…"
He pointed to the left path of the two forked roads.
"Please go that way. You'll have to cross a mountain, but there aren't any significant dangers, so you should be able to get through quickly."
"Oh. So, I just need to follow that road? How far is it to the academy?"
"Well, since we villagers have never ridden there, I can't say for sure, but I believe it usually takes about three or four days on foot."
"Ah…"
Three or four days on foot?
For people living in this world, that might not seem like much of a distance.
'This could be quite tough.'
I'll have to camp out, watch out for wild animals, and if it's a mountain, there will probably be lots of bugs.
Ugh.
Thinking this far, I hung my head.
"Haha. Anyway, thank you. Thanks to you, I can get there smoothly."
"Don't mention it. This old man couldn't help much…"
As he replied to my thanks, the village chief seemed to remember something and mumbled quickly.
"By the way, if you're going empty-handed, please wait a moment. I'll get some camping supplies from my house."
"…What?"
I couldn't help but widen my eyes at his words.
"No, no need to go that far…"
"Haha. I wouldn't feel comfortable sending you off empty-handed, Young Lord."
The village chief soon handed me all the camping supplies I needed, such as a portable tent, emergency food, a firestarter, and a water bottle.
"I feel indebted to you. Thank you. You'll be blessed."
"Haha. I'm just glad to be of help, even with something like this. Please be careful on your way."
"I won't forget this kindness."
After thanking the village chief several times, I left the village, bowing repeatedly.
Following the path the chief had shown me, I eventually entered the mountain path.
"Surely, the rural folks have good hearts."
After experiencing such kindness, contrasting with the selfishness of modern society, I couldn't help but smile.
'I must repay this kindness someday if I get the chance.'
With that resolution, I continued on my way to the academy.
* * *
Thud!
"I… finally made it."
I fell to my knees and muttered in a tearful voice.
'Oh, it's warm.'
The warm sunlight pouring down from the sky felt like a gift prepared just for me.
As if it was washing away all the pain and frustration I had endured…
"…No way, I thought I was going to die!"
According to the village chief, I should have been able to cross the mountain in three or four days.
But.
"Three or four days, my foot, it's been over a week!"
Moreover, the journey was anything but smooth.
I had to avoid traces of all sorts of wild animals, and I donated my blood for free to countless bugs.
And at the end…
'I was even chased by a bear.'
As a result, I lost all my belongings and barely escaped with just my life.
"You said it would be safe. You said there wouldn't be any significant dangers!"
As I voiced my frustrations aloud, words that would never reach anyone, I heard the sound of a carriage passing by.
Thud thud thud!
Along with the voices of a mother and child walking by quickly.
"Mom, look over there. That uncle."
"Don't look. That uncle's a strange person."
'What? Uncle?'
Excuse me, ma'am.
I might look a bit strange, but I'm not an uncle, okay?
I've just entered the body of a teenager who hasn't even served in the military yet, so how am I an uncle?!
…Well, despite my complaints, I didn't actually feel that bad.
'Right now, I'm just happy to see people.'
Human civilization is a fence one should never stray from.
Look at all those people and buildings.
This is heaven.
If my knowledge is correct, this place is the city of 'Bellium,' just before entering Flaines Imperial Academy.
Sniff! Sniff!
At that moment, an incredibly delicious smell hit my nose, and I couldn't help but turn my head.
And then.
Sizzle!
I saw chunks of meat grilling, making a sound that brought happiness to my ears, along with various mouth-watering dishes being cooked in a restaurant.
Gulp.
Having lost all my belongings while being chased by a wild bear, I hadn't had a proper meal until now.
Growl.
My stomach rumbled loudly, asserting its presence.
Just then, a chef, who was cooking with a large window open, came out and made eye contact with me.
"Uh…?"
I quickly turned my head to avoid his gaze.
Growl.
But I couldn't stop the sound from my stomach.
"Hey, you there, beggar."
When I turned my head again at the chef's voice from behind.
"Here, take this."
I saw him holding out a bowl with some food.
"Th-This is?"
"I don't know what happened to you at such a young age, but eat this."
"But I don't have any money…"
"Ah, just take it for free!"
"Th-Thank you."
As I reached for the steaming bowl, the warmth seemed to spread to my chest.
"…I will eat well."
I quickly shoveled the food into my mouth.
And the taste of the savory and slightly sweet meat stew made me exclaim involuntarily.
"Delicious!"
"What?"
"It means it's incredibly tasty!"
"Really? That's good to hear. I have a kid around your age, so just the sight of you was bothering me."
The chef, pleased with the compliment, scratched his nose and muttered, then continued as if he couldn't understand.
"But what did you do to end up like this at your age…? Tsk."
"Well, I got lost in the mountains and lost all my belongings."
"The mountains? You passed through a very dangerous place. Where did you come from to cross the mountains?"
The chef tilted his head curiously and asked.
"Uh, I came from the Vade Marquisate. I heard it usually takes about three or four days, but I got lost, so it took me over a week."
"What? You came from the Marquis of Vade's territory? But why did you cross the mountains? If you take the regular road, it shouldn't take more than two days, even if you're slow."
"Huh?!"